WE CAN EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD: THE RELATION BETWEEN FAITH AND HEALING

Abstract

AbstractAs signs of the eschatological breaking in of the kingdom, of God, the healing of physical and psychological diseases was an essential part of Jesus Christ's mission. Through Jesus people came into contact with the healing power of God that healed them with regard to different dimensions of their lived. Jesus charged and empowered his disciples to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. Whereas the apostles and the early church continued to heal, Jesus' command to heal wad neglected over the centuries. Yet, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the churches rediscovered their specific task in the field of healing, and the connection between faith and healing was pointed out by epidemiological studies.During consultations in Ghana and in Chile, members of Pentecostal, charismatic and historical churches affirmed their conviction that the Holy Spirit is acting in reconciling and healing today, and they agreed on an extended definition of health and healing. All healing comes from God, but there are different approaches to health and healing. Today, Christians often do not expect God to heal them and Christian communities face many obstacles on their way to becoming healing communities.Personal experiences in Ghana and in Chile are given as examples of healing communities.At the beginning of the third millennium, the traditional churches in Europe are losing members, whereas new religious movements outside the main churches are growing. There is some evidence that people are attracted by these movements because in them the healing power of faith is visible and can be experienced. Therefore, healing is essential for Christian mission today.